As with any disease it is optimally best if it is possible to get an early diagnosis. Unfortunately, with multiple sclerosis, this is difficult because there is currently no definitive test that can identify it. And, in fact, the symptoms can mimic a number of other conditions.
It will, therefore, be up to the doctor to perform a number of tests that will help to eliminate these other possibilities. And because some of what may be occurring internally may only come to light through the patient’s ability to communicate the changes he or she feels - it will be vital that the doctor is able to listen well and discern the importance of these feelings. As one can imagine, this will require patience from both parties.
Initially the doctor will be interested in your medical history. This will include a review of any signs or symptoms that you have been experiencing. It is always helpful if the patient is able to have at hand this important information. Some have found it helpful to keep a small diary that over time will help establish if there is any particular pattern that will help in diagnosing this illness. According to one authority the pattern they are looking for is if two separate areas of the central nervous system have been affected on at least two different occasions and that this has happened at least one month apart.
Next the doctor will conduct an extensive neurological examination that is meant to test various aspects of your nervous system. This will include testing muscle tone and strength, reflexes, and how sensitive you may be to heat, pain, and touch. He will also want to examine how you stand and walk, and how you handle your coordination and balance. In addition to this he may also need to assess your cognitive ability, your memory ability and how you express yourself as these are also areas that can be affected by multiple sclerosis.
Following these exams the doctor may use MRI imaging. A dye is introduced into the system that in turn may help highlight any lesions that are evident as a result of injury to the nerve fiber called myelin, when you pass through the MRI. As modern techniques are always improving this can allow for greater detail and a more accurate assessment to be made.
Another test concerns taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid that is in the spinal canal. This is termed a spinal tap. The sample taken may help highlight any abnormalities associated with MS such as abnormal levels of proteins or white blood cells. It can also help the doctor rule out other possible problems such as viral infections that can manifest the same type of physical symptoms as MS.
One other form of testing that has been used involves placing electrodes on the head and measuring the response time for your body to react when given certain stimuli. This response time will tell the doctor if there has been some damage to your nervous system. In view of more modern options, such as the MRI technique, this test is not done as often nowadays.
Keep in mind that because there is no specific test to identify multiple sclerosis, your doctor will need to process sufficient information that excludes any other possibility for your symptoms. Though this will take time and patience it is vital in order to get the best treatment possible for your condition.
